Which autoimmune disease is classically associated with a butterfly (malar) rash, joint pain, and photosensitivity?

Which autoimmune disease is classically associated with a butterfly (malar) rash, joint pain, and photosensitivity?

• A. Lupus (SLE)
• B. Psoriatic arthritis
• C. Rheumatoid arthritis
• D. Osteoarthritis

Answer: (A)

The features described—a malar (butterfly) rash across the cheeks, photosensitivity, and joint pain—point to systemic lupus erythematosus. This autoimmune disease commonly presents with a characteristic facial rash that worsens with sun exposure, along with arthritis that is usually non-erosive. Lupus often involves multiple organ systems, and skin and joint symptoms are among the classic early clues. Other options don’t fit as well because they lack this specific combination. Psoriatic arthritis centers on psoriasis-related skin lesions and joint changes like enthesitis or dactylitis, not a malar rash or photosensitivity. Rheumatoid arthritis features symmetric inflammatory arthritis and may have nodules, but rash and photosensitivity aren’t typical hallmarks. Osteoarthritis is degenerative, not autoimmune, and lacks systemic autoimmune features such as a malar rash and photosensitivity. So, the description most accurately matches systemic lupus erythematosus.

The features described—a malar (butterfly) rash across the cheeks, photosensitivity, and joint pain—point to systemic lupus erythematosus. This autoimmune disease commonly presents with a characteristic facial rash that worsens with sun exposure, along with arthritis that is usually non-erosive. Lupus often involves multiple organ systems, and skin and joint symptoms are among the classic early clues.

Other options don’t fit as well because they lack this specific combination. Psoriatic arthritis centers on psoriasis-related skin lesions and joint changes like enthesitis or dactylitis, not a malar rash or photosensitivity. Rheumatoid arthritis features symmetric inflammatory arthritis and may have nodules, but rash and photosensitivity aren’t typical hallmarks. Osteoarthritis is degenerative, not autoimmune, and lacks systemic autoimmune features such as a malar rash and photosensitivity.

So, the description most accurately matches systemic lupus erythematosus.